Houseplants are the ultimate addition to any decor. From cacti to succulents to good old spider plants, potted plants are the ultimate trend. Although you might be drooling over glossy magazines featuring homes turned into their own little greenhouse jungles, bear in mind that this does require some upkeep.
You can't just string plants all over the house and not care for them; they need varying amounts of water, sunlight and attention. We've assembled the ultimate easy-to-care-for plants for each room, why they're a good fit, and what you need to do to keep the plants pretty.
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The bathroom
Although we would all love a big tub that overlooks a breathtaking view, most bathrooms are pretty dark and definitely humid. For that reason, a very specific type of plant will do best to liven up this space.
Although we would all love a big tub that overlooks a breathtaking view, most bathrooms are pretty dark and definitely humid. For that reason, a very specific type of plant will do best to liven up this space.
The broadleaf lady palm: This plant thrives in low light and loves all that hot, humid air from the shower. Plus, it will make you feel like you're showering in an outdoor tropical oasis. Country Living says you need to water this palm only two or three times a week. It doesn't get easier than that.
Aloe vera: If you're lucky enough to have some natural light in your bathroom, the aloe vera plant is a great choice. Natural Living Ideas says this plant loves the humidity so much that you might not even need to water it. Plus, it needs only a little sunlight to keep it healthy.
The bedroom
The bedroom is for rest and relaxation, and your plants should emit the same laid-back vibe. Although the bedroom might have more light than the bathroom, you probably want to put your pretty plant on a shelf or right on the nightstand where you can admire it. Here are the best plants for the most relaxing room in your home.
The bedroom is for rest and relaxation, and your plants should emit the same laid-back vibe. Although the bedroom might have more light than the bathroom, you probably want to put your pretty plant on a shelf or right on the nightstand where you can admire it. Here are the best plants for the most relaxing room in your home.
Snake plant: This plant is the definition of low maintenance. As Country Living explains, you need to water it only a couple times a month, and even less in the winter. The snake plant needs only minimal sunlight, so just open the shades and place it on the dresser.
4. Lavender: If you're the type of person who likes to dribble a few drops of essential oil on your pillow before bed, this is the plant for you. With lavender in the bedroom, you can fall asleep to this incredibly relaxing aroma. Lavender doesn't require a lot of water, but it does need the sun. HGTV advises to water only when you notice the soil is dry, and keep it on a windowsill.
The living room
Here, you want something effortless and pretty that you can admire on the shelf and not have to get up from the comfortable couch to water all that often. Here's what you should choose and how to care for it.
Here, you want something effortless and pretty that you can admire on the shelf and not have to get up from the comfortable couch to water all that often. Here's what you should choose and how to care for it.
Spider plant: This plant does great in a living room because you can admire its long leaves from afar and it doesn't need a ton of care. Water it every two to three days and keep it out of indirect light. On a bookshelf is an ideal spot.
Philodendron: According to Elle, one of this plant's best traits is that it is easy to read. If it's turning yellow, it needs less sunlight. If it is sprouting small leaves, it needs liquid fertilizer. Keep the topsoil dry, and this plant will be happy; it doesn't need to be watered all that much. Plus, just look at this beauty. Those big leaves look amazing on a bookshelf or against the wall.
The kitchen
When you're in the kitchen, you should be focusing on the food, not the plants. Choose plants that are pretty and easy to care for so that, if you get busy and forget to water them for a few days, it's no big deal.
When you're in the kitchen, you should be focusing on the food, not the plants. Choose plants that are pretty and easy to care for so that, if you get busy and forget to water them for a few days, it's no big deal.
African violet: Everything else in your house is lush and green, so it's time to add a pop of color. The African violet has stunning purple flowers and will love the light on your windowsill. Country Living says it needs to be watered only every couple of days. Just be sure to keep the soil moist.
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Rosemary: This herb not only smells amazing and looks spriggy and pretty, it's delicious. Rosemary needs only a little bit of water; just don't let the soil dry out completely. This herb will thrive on your windowsill above your sink.
Bonus graphic: The easiest houseplants to keep alive